Have you ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater.
If you want to find out but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into
a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving will let you try scuba to see
if you like it. Most PADI dive shops offer a version of this program, either
in a pool or other body of water. You might try it close to home or while
you’re on vacation.
While not an actual scuba certification, during the Discover Scuba Diving
experience you’ll learn how to use scuba equipment in shallow water
and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater
world.

Picture by Brian Kusko

The Fun Part

There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first
time. It takes a little getting used to –after all, human beings weren’t
designed to do that – but after a few minutes of awestruck wonder, most
participants realize how easy scuba diving really is. The biggest challenge
instructors have with the Discover Scuba Diving program is not coaxing participants
into the water, but coaxing them out when the program is over. The fun part?
It’s all fun!

Experience scuba diving under close supervision. If you’re
like most people, you will be hooked after your first breath underwater

Plus, you can get credit! If your Discover Scuba Diving
program includes an actual scuba dive in open water, your experience may count
toward PADI Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver certification, putting you a step
ahead of the game when you decide to go for it.

What You Learn

You learn the basics you need to dive under the direct supervision
of a PADI Professional. One thing you’ll learn is that you really can
breathe underwater and whether you like doing that or not. You will:

Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy
it is to move around underwater while wearing it
Find out what it’s like to breathe underwater and learn whether you can
be comfortable there
Learn some basic skills and safety rules that will carry over to your full scuba
certification course when you take the next step

Credit picture Elliott Stout

The Scuba Gear You Use

All the equipment you will need is typically included in
a Discover Scuba Diving experience. You’ll use all the basic scuba gear
including a mask , snorkel and fins, a buoyancy compensating jacket that also
carries your scuba tank, a scuba regulator to breathe from and instrumentation
to monitor depth and air supply. You might also wear a scuba wetsuit or a
weight system depending on where you do your Discover Scuba Diving program.

Ask the dive shop where you plan to take your Discover Scuba
Diving program about the scuba equipment you’ll use.

The Learning Materials You Need

Just your willingness and undivided attention

Prerequisites

To take Discover Scuba Diving, you must be:
At least 10 years old

Your Next Adventure

Once you complete a Discover Scuba Diving program, you’ll
want to check out:
Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver certification courses.